A commonly asked question by our customers and those trying out something new is how they should price their printed sublimation products. Pricing can be a tricky topic, but it's an essential part of running a successful sublimation business. In this blog post, we'll share some tips and strategies to help you determine the right pricing for your printed products.
Consider Your Costs
The first step in pricing your sublimation products is to understand your costs. This includes the cost of the blank item (e.g., mug, t-shirt, or metal sheet), the cost of the ink and paper used for printing, the cost of any equipment (e.g., heat press, sublimation printer), and the cost of your time and labour. Be sure to factor in all of these expenses when calculating your overall cost per item.
Research the Market
Once you know your costs, it's important to research the market and see what your competitors are charging for similar products. This will give you a good idea of the going rate for sublimation products in your area. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust your prices based on factors like the quality of your products, your brand reputation, and the level of customer service you provide. Don't aim to just offer the lowest price as it's much harder to increase prices once they are low than to lower them later. What one person thinks is 'too expensive' is perfect for someone else so don't devalue your work!
Consider Your Profit Margin
When setting your prices, you'll want to aim for a profit margin that is both reasonable and sustainable. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a profit margin of 50% or more. This means that for every £1 you spend on a product, you should be able to sell it for at least £1.50. Of course sometimes that might make the product too expensive so see if you can get a better price on your blank by buying in bulk for a lower unit price. We offer bulk pricing on almost all of our items that you can see here - if you don't it then just ask us!
Offer Tiered Pricing
Another strategy to consider is offering tiered pricing based on the quantity of products ordered. For example, you could offer a lower price per item for customers who order in bulk, or a higher price for customers who only need a few items. This can help you attract a wider range of customers and maximize your profits. If each item is the same design you might find it is quicker to produce than individual personalised items so keep that as a factor in your mind as well.
Don't Forget About Shipping
Finally, don't forget to factor in the cost of shipping when pricing your sublimation products. This can be a significant expense, especially for larger or heavier items. Be sure to include the cost of shipping in your overall pricing structure. Sometimes being able to offer free shipping is a great incentive for customers but just make sure that your margin allows you to do this!
By following these tips, you can develop a pricing strategy that is both profitable and competitive. Remember, pricing is an ongoing process, so be prepared to adjust your prices as needed to stay ahead of the competition and meet the changing needs of your customers.